It's time to splurge

Shopping spree

Shopping is an important aspect of the festival and almost everyone buys gifts for not only themselves but also for friends and relatives. Metrolife takes a look as to how  Bangaloreans are celebrating the festival and what all they are shopping for this season.

New clothes are a must every Deepavali which sees people crowding shopping arcades and stores. Be it the traditional sari, salwars, kurtis or fusion ensembles, there is no dearth of choice to suit everyone’s needs.

“I usually shop for ethnic clothes and heavy georgette saris during this time,” says Madhuri, a student from Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College. Unlike the older generation, many youngsters prefer to go for light wear garments that can be worn all year long.

“I have been buying embroidered kurtis and salwars, which every store has,” says Rachna Sharma, an IT professional. It’s the time when you can see yards of silk, zardosi embroidery and zari all around you. This season, anarkalis, ghagras and churidars are popular buys according to many stores.

“Embroidered saris are not in vogue anymore but embroidered Benarasi blouse with Kanjeevaram saris are the in thing this season,” says M Vijayshekar from Deepam Silk retail. “People this season have been buying high end products such as designer and party wear,” he adds.

Jewellery is another must buy during this time as people believe it ushers in prosperity in their houses. “I usually buy gold jewellery during this time because it is the beginning of the new year,” says Sumatha, a store owner.

 “I usually buy silver jewellery on the occasion of Dhanteras and new clothes for Deepavali,” says Geeta Rachh, a housewife. “Other things that people usually buy are electronic items like washing machine, refrigerator and televisions because of offers and discounts,” says Abhinav, an analyst.

Deepavali also contributes a lot to the annual sales of most stores in the country. “We generally see an increase of 60 per cent in our sales during this season,” says M Vijayshekar.

And to make the most of the occasion, shopping malls and a variety of stores around the City offer festive discounts to lure everyone to spend their money. And all this has been taken to another level with online stores offering great discounts to the customers asking them to shop within the comfort of their homes.

“Sites like ebay provide an excellent medium to buy clothes, electronic items and send them to your loved ones. And with many living away from home, this is a good way of gifting,” says Rachna.

Popular picks

* Anarkalis

* Ghagras

* Embroidered kurtis and churidars

* Embroidered blouses with plain saris